The best interview coaching programs for Software Engineers

Whether you're an aspiring SWE or a seasoned software engineer trying to break into a top-tier tech company, the right interview coaching program can make a big difference. With so many options available, each promising to unlock the door to your dream job, choosing the one that best aligns with your career aspirations and learning style can be overwhelming. 

From AI-powered personalized training to mastery-based learning approaches, let’s explore the top software engineer interview coaching programs, including what sets each apart and who could benefit most from them.

Formation

Formation’s Fellowship program is the only AI-powered, dynamic interview prep program completely personalized to the participant. It offers extensive 1:1 training, unlimited mock interviews, and career coaching for software engineers. Participants have access to unconditional support from a team of hundreds of FAANG-level engineering mentors, technical recruiters, career coaches, and more. The program's mission is to diversify tech, so it has a comprehensive program for SWEs from nontraditional backgrounds.

Who it’s for: It’s best for mid-to-senior engineers who are interested in interviewing at top-tier tech companies. You have to pass an initial assessment before being accepted into the program, so it’s not for new SWEs or beginner developers. At the time of publishing, Formation requires their Fellows to have permanent work authorization in the U.S. or Canada, with the intent to search for roles in one of those geographies.

What it does well: Formation is an all-encompassing program with unlimited access to resources, but its adaptive learning technology ensures each participant is treated as an individual — meaning you have all of the resources you could possibly need, but the structure and accountability mechanisms to focus on what is most important to you. Its mentors come from some of the best tech companies in the world, and the personalized career coaching and supportive community make for a great support system. Its system design curriculum is some of the best out there, and its access to current and former FAANG recruiters and engineers can make all the difference. Formation’s approach leads to some leading outcomes in the space — in 2023, they were able to help their Fellows achieve an average $82k* increase in comp.

What you’ll be missing: Formation assumes a mid-level understanding of engineering. New SWEs likely won’t pass the assessment, and their curriculum may be too advanced for some junior engineers.

Pricing: A monthly membership costs $2,500, or you can pay  $10,000 for an unlimited membership with unlimited support until you land a role. For more information, check out Formation’s pricing page.

Interviewing.io

Interviewing.io offers a unique platform for tech job seekers to hone their interview skills through mock interviews with industry experts. After signing up, you provide basic information about yourself and your experience and can choose which type of company and the level of interviewer you’d like to be paired with. It keeps interviewees anonymous to help mitigate biases and focus purely on skills. 

Who it’s for: It is best suited for engineers who are confident in their technical skills but want targeted practice with mock interviews only.

What it does well: Participants are matched to an interviewer who holds a position within select top companies and who can provide the best possible questions and feedback. 

What you’ll be missing: The mock interviews are through CoderPad, with only audio and chat available throughout the interview. Once your mock interview is over, you have the opportunity to “unmask” and connect with your interviewer, but face-to-face interview prep is unavailable. While interviewing.io offers some coaching, it’s mostly for people looking to practice applying their existing skills rather than teaching new or up-leveling skills.

Pricing: Sign up for a free account to get details on all pricing and packages. In general, an interview coaching package starts at $1,500. Individual mock interviews are available for purchase at various price points, starting at $225 for some entry-level interviews and up to $700 for senior-level interviews with professionals from FAANG companies. 

Interview Kickstart

Interview Kickstart provides comprehensive coaching for interviews, including data structures, algorithms, system design, and behavioral interviews. Its structured curriculum and experienced instructors offer valuable support to participants. 

Who it’s for: It is best suited for mid-level tech engineers who thrive in a structured learning environment and are comfortable with webinar-style teaching. Although there’s no assessment to register, you have to have a strong foundation in tech to succeed.

What it does well: Various packages are available depending on the amount of time you have to prepare, giving you the chance to customize your experience and prepare in the way you best see fit. Fully async courses are available in the evening, and you retain access to resources for six months following the course. 

What you’ll be missing: It is formatted as a webinar, so there is less opportunity for personalized support and networking than in other interview prep programs. 

Pricing: Not publicly available; they recommend joining one of their webinars to learn more.

Pathrise

Pathrise offers a career accelerator program that assists individuals in landing top tech roles through mentorship, workshops, and job search support. The program includes one-on-one mentorship and a tailored curriculum catering to individual learning styles and career goals. It is selective and requires you to commit a percentage of your future salary as payment.

Who it’s for: Pathrise is available for engineers with baseline knowledge of their field, meaning beginners through mid-level engineers are welcome. You must submit an application to enroll in their program. 

What it does well: It offers various career-track programs. In addition to one-on-one mentorship and support, job search support and networking opportunities are available. The company also offers income-based financing and loan repayment options. 

What you’ll be missing: They offer various track-specific programs, but this may not include your specific career goal. They have limited availability and capacity. 

Pricing: They offer income-based financing. If you’re approved, you don’t pay until you’re hired at a job. This isn’t available to everyone, and pricing is not publicly available. 

Coachable

Coachable offers personalized interview coaching tailored to individual needs. Its experienced mentors from top tech companies provide guidance on technical skills, interview strategies, and career development. Pros include one-on-one mentorship and flexible scheduling options. 

Who it’s for: Individuals with a STEM or programming background and familiarity with Python will do best with Coachable. If these pre-reqs are met, anyone from beginner to senior level could succeed in their program. 

What it does well: Coachable offers teaching from experts in the field and job interview preparation. They provide individualized feedback so that students can grow in their strengths and improve their weaknesses. 

What you’ll be missing: With opportunities to interact only with staff, your networking capabilities with other students will be lacking. The program is relatively small with a small number of mentors. It lacks the technology-led approach of some other programs and systematic 1:1 personalization.

Pricing: $8,000.00 one-time cost or $2,000.00/month subscription. Cancel anytime. 

Codesmith

Codesmith offers immersive software engineering programs aimed at preparing individuals for their first tech job interviews and advancing their careers. Their curriculum covers full-stack JavaScript development, algorithms, and interview preparation. 

Who it’s for: Codesmith’s core offerings are for beginners, and they’re beginning to offer some programs for mid-level professionals. It has several programs to choose from, including a JavaScript for beginners course and an immersive Software Engineering program. Codesmith offers workshops to determine whether its courses are a good fit for you and recommends attending one before applying for a paid course. 

What it does well: In addition to technical skills, Codesmith offers a robust network and prep courses related to soft skills. 

What you’ll be missing: Codesmith is a bootcamp that’s great for people without CS degrees who want to learn to code. It lacks some of the more advanced instruction.

Pricing: $350 JavaScript for beginners with scholarship options; Software Engineering Immersive program is $21,800 with a payment plan, scholarship, loan, and grant opportunities; CS Prep $925 with scholarship options

Launch School

Launch School provides a structured, mastery-based curriculum. With a focus on fundamentals and mastery of core concepts, their program aims to prepare students thoroughly for technical job interviews. 

Who it’s for: The Launch School is designed for programmers who are early in their careers. It’s not suited for individuals who need to learn/enhance a skill quickly or for those who have been in the field for several years. There are free classes for beginners or those who want to trial run the program before taking a paid course. 

What it does well: This program's focus on mastering fundamentals is strong. It offers resources for interviews and resume preparation, as well as skills-based courses and networking opportunities. 

What you’ll be missing: While there is an opportunity for projects, real-world learning is lacking in this program. Their program is directed more towards web development and may leave out specific niche career tracks. You will not learn to code as much as you will learn how to think as a software engineer.

Pricing: There are limited free programs. Paid courses are offered at $199/month or $299/month for deferment until securing a job. You must qualify for the deferred payment plan.  

Rithm School

Rithm School offers immersive coding bootcamps designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in tech job interviews. Their comprehensive curriculum covers full-stack web development and includes hands-on projects and real-world coding challenges. 

Who it’s for: Rithm School is best for beginner engineers who are looking to change careers or uplevel their skills. The application process includes questions about your coding experience, so basic knowledge is helpful. 

What it does well: Rithm School offers full-time courses, networking opportunities, and additional assistance with resume building. Hands-on learning is a unique component of its curriculum. It also offers financial assistance to pay for the program. 

What you’ll be missing: Rithm School’s reach is limited compared to other programs, including geographically and career-focused programs. They only allow 20 students in a course, so availability is limited. 

Pricing: Pricing options are listed on the website. One option is to pay a $3,000.00 deposit and an additional $21,000.00 for tuition, which can be paid in one, two, or four installments.

Get holistic interview prep with Formation

The Formation Fellowship gives mid-level and senior engineering job seekers everything they need to land their dream roles—including personalized skill brush-ups, unlimited mock interviews with experienced software engineers and hiring managers from top-tier tech companies, career and negotiation support, and more. 

If you’re having trouble navigating your job search on your own, apply here and get unconditional support from a team of engineering mentors, technical recruiters, career coaches, and more.